May 9, 2015

Former New York Giants Coach & Queens Resident: T.A. Clarke (1933)

Thomas Aloysius Clarke was born on May 9, 1888 in New York City. Clarke was a catcher getting signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1908. He was a fine defensive catcher spending nine years with the Reds.

In his career his strong throwing arm had him nail 42% of would be base stealers. He would toss out 50% in 1908 & 48% in 1910 (4th in the league both times). He was also among the top five catchers in fielding three different seasons.

In his career he hit .265 with 453 hits 6 HRs 66 doubles 37 triples 191 RBIs & a .351 on base %. He was traded to the AL.L New York team but never played there, going to Chicago playing one final game with the Cubs in 1918.

Retirement: After his playing days he was given a job coaching back home in New York with the New York Giants. He was a coach on the 1933 World Championship Giants team, under manager Bill Terry.

Clarke lived in Corona Queens until his passing at age 57 in 1945. He is buried at St, Johns Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens.

Years later, a relative of Clarke opened a bar/ restaurant in Island Park New York, on Long Island near Long Beach. It was called T.A. Clarkes & it was how I first got to know of Tommy Clarke as his bio was inside the menu.